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Smith's commentary laudable
We have been reading Jason Smiths articles in The News-Times for some time now. He writes all about what is going on in Columbia County, especially on the political side of Columbia County. We have noticed that he has had stories in the Sunday issue. We have really enjoyed them and hope to see more of his writings in future issues.

Gold Cross complaints 'untrue'
After reading the March 5 letter by Troy David Bedichek, Ambulances shouldnt be sent to Augusta calls (http://www.newstimesonline.com/stories/030503/let_letters_030503_1132_6.shtml), I feel compelled to address the untruths and misconceptions in his letter.

County spreads preschool classes
Columbia Counties newest elementary school and two other schools that didn't offer preschool in the past now have the opportunity to participate in the state lottery-funded program.

Event will honor band director
Party planners for Evans High School Band Director Richard Brasco's retirement party are sending an all-call, trying to find former band alumni to join in the celebration of Brasco's 35 years of service.

Gold Cross adds chopper to AirMed fleet
A headset muffles the sound of the whirring rotor above, as the craft rises higher. The only clue that actual forward motion is occurring is the landmarks whizzing by the helicopter windows.

Columbia County newsmakers
Shannon Colbert, a 2002 Evans High School graduate and Presidential Scholar, was one of 18 Paine College freshmen honored for their academics at an honors reception on Feb. 19. She was only one of six Presidential Scholars named. Colbert received gifts, tributes and a Presidential plaque.

Police blotter
According to a Columbia County Sheriff's Office incident report, unknown person(s) broke into a vehicle at the Augus

Time capsule
The young men of Martinez voted Thursday night to organize a Junior Chamber of Commerce in Martinez. At a special meeting, more than 20 men decided to complete organization plans for the new group immediately and start arrangements for affiliations the state an United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Get up and go
An organization meeting for Parents Without Partners will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Warren Baptist Church in Room C101 of the Welcome Center.

Current events
Dr. T. Paul Thigpen will speak about his new book, Gehenna - a novel about the perils of hell - from 10:55 a.m. to noon today in the social hall of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.

Celebrating the Irish in everyone
There I was at my grandmothers house on the day of my grandfathers funeral. All of the relatives were gathered in the parlor, and the food each had brought for the occasion was arranged on the dining room table. My uncles greeted each guest and showed the men where the liquor was being laid out; and most were imbibing in order to be proper.

Pause amid celebrations
Ash Wednesday recently ushered in the 40-day period (minus Sundays) known as Lent. Devoutly observed by many, misunderstood or ignored by many more, Lent is the Christian counterpart to the Jewish High Holy days and the Muslim observance of Ram-adan. All three provide time for the faithful to pray, take inventory of their spiritual lives, and draw closer to their God.

I left my heart here at home
It says something about a city when a mayoral candidate is leading in the polls largely because of his plan to be less hospitable to panhandlers.

Change in leadership changes little
It wasnt the predicted bloodbath, or even so much as a papercut. When Columbia Countys Republican Party convention was over last Saturday, two-term Party Chairman Alvin Starks had been easily unseated by Columbia County School Board member Lee Muns (http://www.newstimesonline.com/stories/031203/new_124-3519.shtml).

Wheels of justice turning too slowly
Dominoes continue to fall in the prosecution of a criminal enterprise that will forever stain our entire community. But theyre not falling quickly enough.